Import costs · 3 min read
How to review a U.S. customs broker quote line by line
Ask for an itemized quote that separates duties and government fees from broker charges and logistics. Compare the same product facts, entry assumptions and service scope. A small brokerage fee can sit beside large excluded costs.
Make each quote describe the same job
A customs broker and a freight forwarder perform different roles, even if one firm offers both services. Give each bidder the same invoice, packing list, product description, origin, transport mode and planned entry date. Ask for the assumed classification and customs value, service scope, validity period and conditions that can change the price.
- Government charges: duty and any separately applicable import fees.
- Broker services: entry preparation, additional lines and any agreed extra work.
- Logistics and contingencies: delivery, handling, storage or examination-related costs.
Reconcile a budget without double-counting duty
| Illustrative quote line | Budget (USD) | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Government-charge allowance | 1,450 | Assumptions and whether already included |
| Broker entry service | 180 | Included lines and extra-work prices |
| Bond-related allowance | 95 | What arrangement the allowance covers |
| Destination handling/delivery | 420 | Destination and services covered |
| Quoted planning total | 2,145 | Exclusions and adjustments |
The invented quote sums to USD 2,145. If a separately prepared estimate of modeled government charges is USD 1,500, first reconcile why it differs from the USD 1,450 allowance. Replacing that allowance yields a revised illustrative budget of USD 2,195. Adding both USD 1,450 and USD 1,500 would count the same allowance twice. Unknown examination or storage costs remain unknown.
Ask for the assumptions behind a discrepancy
Check classification, country of origin, value adjustments, required quantities and the entry date before debating a total. Request the charge lines used in the quote and identify any amounts dependent on a future event. The importer remains responsible for reasonable care even when using a broker. Keep the reviewed quote and supporting documents together so a later change can be traced to a changed assumption.
Use the calculator for the modeled duties and fees, then add only the separately quoted services in your purchasing worksheet. Opening the calculator does not submit a calculation: finish the goods and quantity inputs before pressing Calculate.
Assumptions and limits
Assumptions
- Illustrative commercial entry; all service prices and government-charge allowances below are invented.
Costs and duties not included
- No broker’s price, license, quote validity or final assessed duty is verified here.
- LandedLlama’s total covers its modeled duties and fees, not every charge in a broker’s quote.
Prepare your own estimate
Use your shipment details to open the existing calculator.
Use digits and a dot, with up to two decimals (for example, 1200.50).
Opening the calculator prepares these inputs. Only pressing Calculate uses a calculation from your plan.
You will need to select the correct HTS code in the calculator before it can estimate duties.
Common questions
Are broker service fees set by the HTS?
A service quote is separate from the tariff schedule. Ask each provider to specify its prices and scope.
Does using a broker transfer all responsibility away from the importer?
No. The importer of record still has reasonable-care obligations under U.S. entry law.
Sources
- Customs brokers and freight forwarders
International Trade Administration · Checked
- 19 CFR 141.86: contents of invoices
CBP / eCFR · Checked
- 19 USC 1484: entry of merchandise
U.S. Congress / GovInfo · Checked
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